Odor-absorbing and moisture-absorbing shoe inserts

ABSTRACT

This disclosure provides a sleek shoe insert sized and shaped to fit into any shoe, including elegant, stylish, or casual shoes such as high heels, slip-on booties, booties, sandals, wedges, heels with open sides, closed heels, boat shoes, and the like. The shoe insert is inconspicuous and absorbs odor and moisture, while leaving no scent or a fresh scent. The shoe insert comprises a first layer comprising a breathable fabric, a second layer comprising air-laid paper, and a third layer comprising polyethylene film. An adhesive is on the underside of the polyethylene film. On the top of the first layer is a combination of essential oils for eliminating or reducing bacteria or odor.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/700,510, filed Jul. 19, 2018. The entire contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This application relates to odor-absorbing and moisture-absorbing shoe inserts.

BACKGROUND

Currently, there are no remedies that eliminate odor and absorb moisture in a shoe designed for style, elegance, or casual wear (e.g., a women's dress shoe). On the market today are foot inserts marketed as odor eliminating or sweat wicking. However, they are not sleek enough to fit within stylish, elegant, or casual shoes such as a high heel, slip-on bootie, heel with open sides, men's summer boat shoes, etc., Furthermore, currently marketed foot inserts are not daily disposable. A need exists for a disposable, sleek, inconspicuous foot insert for such shoes to reduce odor and absorb moisture.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides sleek, inconspicuous odor- and moisture absorbing shoe inserts sized and shaped to fit into stylish, elegant, and casual shoes, such as high heels, slip-on booties, slip on shoes, boat shoes, and similar shoes. The foot inserts of this disclosure are sized and shaped to fit onto the sole of such shoes and to say in place. The shoe inserts comprise odor eliminating/reducing, moisture absorbing, deodorizing ingredients. The sleek design allows the shoe insert to fit on the soles of shoes so when a user takes off a shoe, odor is eliminated or reduced and replaced with a fresh clean scent created by a combination of essential oils.

One aspect of this disclosure provides a shoe insert having an hourglass shape and sized and shaped to fit in a shoe. The shoe insert comprises a first layer comprising breathable fabric, wherein the first layer has a top side and a bottom side and a combination of essential oils disposed on the top side of the first layer. The shoe insert also comprises a second layer comprising air-laid paper and a third layer comprising polyethylene film. The third layer has a top side and a bottom side. The second layer is disposed between the bottom side of the first layer and the top side of the third layer. The bottom side of the third layer comprises hot melt adhesive.

In some embodiments, the first, second, and third layers are adhered together with glue. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third layers are pressed together in a mold. In certain embodiments, the edges of the first, second, and third layers are sealed.

In further embodiments, the shoe comprises a fourth layer comprising release paper. The fourth layer contacts the bottom side of the third layer. The release paper protects the adhesive on the bottom side of the third layer and prevents the adhesive from sticking to surfaces prior to being inserted into a shoe. In certain embodiments, the release paper has a weight of about 42 g/SM (grams/square meter). As used herein, the term “about” means+/−10% of a given value.

In some embodiments, the breathable fabric comprises non-woven fabric. In some embodiments, the breathable fabric comprises hot air breathable fabric. In certain embodiments, the non-woven fabric comprises fiber. In still further embodiments, the fiber has a weight of about 30 g/SM.

In some embodiments, the air-laid paper has a weight of about 80 g/SM.

In some embodiments, the polyethylene film has a weight of about 35 g/SM.

In some embodiments, the hot melt adhesive is arranged on the bottom side of the third layer as lines. In some embodiments, the shoe insert comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more lines of hot melt adhesive. In certain embodiments, the shoe insert comprises 2 lines of hot melt adhesive. In other embodiments, the shoe insert comprises 3 lines of hot melt adhesive. In further embodiments, the shoe insert comprises 4 lines of hot melt adhesive. In still further embodiments, the shoe insert comprises 5 lines of hot melt adhesive. In some embodiments, each line has a thickness ranging from about 0.2 mm to about 0.6 mm. In certain embodiments, the lines of hot melt adhesive have a thickness of about 0.3 mm. In some embodiments, the lines of hot melt adhesive have a thickness of about 0.4 mm. In further embodiments, the lines of hot melt adhesive have a thickness of about 0.5 mm. In still further embodiments, the lines of hot melt adhesive have a thickness of about 0.25 mm. In certain embodiments, the lines of hot melt adhesive have a thickness of about 0.2 mm. In certain embodiments, the lines of hot melt adhesive have a thickness of about 0.6 mm.

In some embodiments, the shoe insert comprises a first layer comprising a water-based adhesive; a second layer comprising a flattened amount of cotton and baking soda; and a third layer comprising perforated cotton or cheesecloth and a combination of essential oils.

In some embodiments, the shoe insert further comprises ethyl alcohol or vodka (40% alcohol) on the top side of the first layer. In some embodiments, the combination of essential oils comprises cypress, frankincense, lavender, lemon, oregano, and red thyme. In other embodiments, the shoe insert further comprises ethyl alcohol on the top side of the first layer and the combination of essential oils comprises cypress, frankincense, lavender, lemon, and red thyme. In still other embodiments, the shoe insert further comprises ethyl alcohol on the top side of the first layer and the combination of essential oils comprises lavender, and red thyme. In further embodiments, the shoe insert further comprises ethyl alcohol on the top side of the first layer and the combination of essential oils comprises lavender, red thyme, lemon, frankincense, cypress, and lemongrass. In additional embodiments, the combination of essential oils comprises sage, lavender, lemon, and cedar. In yet further embodiments, the combination of essential oils comprises sage, frankincense, and lavender. In still other embodiments, the shoe insert further comprises ethyl alcohol on the top side of the first layer and the combination of essential oils comprises lavender, lemongrass, and red thyme.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a shoe insert of this disclosure having an hourglass shape.

FIG. 2. depicts an embodiment of a shoe insert with multiple layers.

FIG. 3 depicts a show insert with hot melt adhesive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Foot odor, particularly foot odor from feet that have been in shoes, has proven problematic for many people. After wearing a new pair of shoes a few times, the shoes begin to smell of sweaty feet or have a generally unpleasant odor. Several products exist, such as foot deodorant and baby powder, but those products only slightly mask the odor with their fragrance while doing nothing to inhibit or kill bacteria which causes the odor. Further, the products on the market typically include powder or foot deodorant that becomes stuck on a user's foot and in the shoe, creating a mess. Users repeatedly wash their feet to remove the powder and residue. Furthermore, the residue can ruin shoes. Instead of eliminating a user's odor, removing one's shoes in a home becomes embarrassing. Currently, there is no solution on the market that eliminates odor and leaves no scent or creates a pleasant scent without a mess. Furthermore, there is also no solution beyond foot deodorant or powder for use in stylish, elegant, or casual shoes such as women's' high heels, ankle booties, slip on booties, boat shoes, and other similar shoes. A need exists for an inconspicuous, odor-absorbing and moisture-absorbing solution for use in such shoes that does not leave a mess on a user's foot.

One aspect of this disclosure provides a shoe insert having odor-absorbing and moisture-absorbing properties. In some embodiments, the shoe insert has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties and inhibits or eliminates bacteria that cause odor. In some embodiments, the shoe insert provides a clean scent. In some embodiments, the shoe insert comprises an adhesive on one side so the insert does not slide inside a shoe. In such embodiments, the adhesive allows the shoe insert to stick to the sole of the shoe so a user can take a shoe off without the pad coming out with the foot. In some embodiments, the shoe insert comprises an adhesive that does not leave a sticky residue on the sole of the shoe so the shoe's sole is not affected or mined. It has surprisingly been discovered that hot melt adhesive provides the appropriate amount of adhesion while leaving little to no residue in a shoe.

The side of the shoe insert that contacts a user's foot is designed to be smooth, soft, and comfortable, but also durable to withstand movement during the day and moisture from a user's foot sweat.

In some embodiments, the shoe insert comprises all natural ingredients, so that harmful chemicals do not contact a user's foot. Feet have many nerve endings and large pores without sebaceous glands. This disclosure provides shoe inserts comprising essential oils that are easily absorbed through the bottom of the foot without irritating the skin. Essential oils do not harm a user's foot like some chemicals might. The shoe inserts of this disclosure comprise essential oils of this disclosure that do not irritate or harm the body and do not irritate the skin, whereby the shoe inserts of this disclosure absorb moisture and inhibit or eliminate bacteria, resulting in a clean, fresh scent.

In some embodiments, the shoe insert has a generally hourglass shape. As used herein, the term “hourglass” refers to a shape of a shoe insert having two wider ends and a narrow middle. The wider ends can have the same or approximately the same widths or the two wider ends can have different widths. The two wider ends can have different or similar shapes. The hourglass shape can be curved. As used herein, the term “hourglass” refers to a general shape and does not mean any specific shape beyond what is described herein.

The hourglass shape allows the shoe insert to frame a foot. The ends of the hourglass align to the shape of a foot. The wider parts of the hourglass are the ball of the foot and heel of the foot. The area of the hourglass that fits under the arch area of the foot is slimmer and designed not to protrude from the sides of the foot/shoe. The hourglass design of this disclosure enables the shoe insert to be used in all shoes, including the aforementioned stylish, elegant, or casual shoes such as high heels, sandals, wedges, booties, heels with open sides, closed heels, etc.

In some embodiments, the shoe insert comprises a first layer comprising breathable fabric, wherein the first layer has a top side and a bottom side and a combination of essential oils disposed on the top side of the first layer. The top side of the first layer comprising the essential oils is designed to contact the bottom of a user's foot. The breathable fabric allows air to circulate to remove moisture. The essential oils perform their function as described herein.

The shoe insert also comprises a second layer comprising air-laid paper and a third layer comprising polyethylene film. Air-laid paper comprises non-woven fabric. Air-laid paper typically porous and soft. In some embodiments, the second layer comprises a material other than air-laid paper that is porous, soft, strong, and has good water absorption properties. In other embodiments, the second layer comprises laid paper. Other material besides air-laid paper that can also be used in the shoe inserts including Bamboo Fiber, French Terry Cotton, Tencell, and Lyocell. The third layer has a top side and a bottom side. The second layer is disposed between the bottom side of the first layer and the top side of the third layer. The bottom side of the third layer comprises hot melt adhesive.

Hot melt adhesive is a surprisingly useful adhesive for the shoe insert. The adhesive is designed to not ruin shoes, to be sticky enough to stay in place during use, and to be durable enough to stay in place when a user slides a foot in the shoe or takes off the shoe. Further, the adhesive is exposed to moisture from a user's foot. Hot melt adhesive has not previously been used to secure a shoe insert in a shoe. However, it has been surprisingly discovered that hot melt adhesive provides the desired functional characteristics while leaving little to no residue in a shoe.

In some embodiments, the shoe insert comprises a fourth layer comprising release paper. The fourth layer contacts the bottom side of the third layer. The release paper protects the adhesive on the bottom side of the third layer and prevents the adhesive from sticking to surfaces prior to being inserted into a shoe. Other paper and plastic materials that prevent the adhesive from sticking to surfaces prior to being inserted in a shoe and are practical for packaging the shoe insert can be used. In certain embodiments, the release paper is used for packaging and shipping. In certain embodiments, the release paper has a weight ranging from about 30 to about 50 g/SM. of about 42 g/SM. As used herein, the term “about” means+/−10% of a given value.

The shoe insert of this disclosure is designed to fit all shoes. The sleek, low profile design of the shoe insert of this disclosure allows the shoe insert to stay hidden under a user's foot, regardless of the shoe being worn or the height of a user's foot arch. The shoe insert is sized and shaped to be thin and inconspicuous so that it can be used in stylish, elegant, or casual shoes such as high heels, booties, slip on shoes, boat shoes, etc. The inconspicuous design of the shoe insert allows a user to be able to wear the shoes the user desires, while being confident that the shoe insert absorbs odor and moisture. Moreover, the thin design of the shoe insert allows the insert to be unobtrusive in a user's shoe. The shoe insert is sized and shaped so that it does not cause discomfort in the user.

To achieve the desired thin profile, this disclosure provides ranges of weights of materials in grams/square meter (“g/SM” or “gsm”). The g/SM value is generally used to measure the stock or thickness of a material in terms of its mass. Other units can also be used such as mil or PT (“point”) units. A person of skill in the art would appreciate that those other units can be used to gauge materials used in the shoe inserts described herein.

In some embodiments, the breathable fabric comprises non-woven fabric. In some embodiments, the fabric has a weight ranging from about 20 to about 50 g/SM. In certain embodiments, the non-woven fabric comprises fiber. In still further embodiments, the fiber has a weight of about 30 g/SM.

In some embodiments, the laid paper has a weight ranging from about 60 to about 100 g/SM. In certain embodiments, the laid paper has a weight of about 80 g/SM.

In some embodiments, the polyethylene film has a weight ranging from about 30 g/SM to about 50 g/SM. In certain embodiments, the polyethylene film has a weight of about 35 g/SM.

In some embodiments, the hot melt adhesive is arranged on the bottom side of the third layer as lines. In some embodiments, the shoe insert comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more lines of hot melt adhesive. In certain embodiments, the shoe insert comprises 2 lines of hot melt adhesive. In other embodiments, the shoe insert comprises 3 lines of hot melt adhesive. In further embodiments, the shoe insert comprises 4 lines of hot melt adhesive. In still further embodiments, the shoe insert comprises 5 lines of hot melt adhesive. In some embodiments, each line has a thickness ranging from about 0.2 mm to about 0.6 mm. In certain embodiments, the lines of hot melt adhesive have a thickness of about 0.3 mm. In some embodiments, the lines of hot melt adhesive have a thickness of about 0.4 mm. In further embodiments, the lines of hot melt adhesive have a thickness of about 0.5 mm. In still further embodiments, the lines of hot melt adhesive have a thickness of about 0.25 mm. In certain embodiments, the lines of hot melt adhesive have a thickness of about 0.2 mm. In certain embodiments, the lines of hot melt adhesive have a thickness of about 0.6 mm.

During manufacturing, in some embodiments, layers are attached to each other using hot glue. Then, a mold presses the layers to seal the edges and then cut the shoe insert into the desired hourglass shape. Sealing the edges of the layers together prevents the layers from peeling apart and from fraying. The combination of essential oils can be applied by spraying them onto the top side of the top layer. In some methods of manufacturing, the combination of essential oils are applied prior to the layers being glued together or pressed together. In other method of manufacturing, the combination of essential oils is applied to the top side of the top layer after the shoe insert has been cut by a mold.

In some embodiments, the shoe insert comprises a bottom layer comprising a water-based adhesive designed to adhere to the sole of the shoe without leaving sticky residue.

In some embodiments, the shoe insert comprises a second layer comprising a thin or flattened layer of cotton. In some embodiments, the cotton is 100% cotton. In some embodiments, the cotton layer also comprises baking soda. Both the cotton and baking soda absorb moisture. The baking soda also inhibits or eliminates odor.

In some embodiments, the shoe insert comprises a third layer comprising perforated cotton or cheesecloth sleek enough to fit within a women's shoe. The shoe insert is designed to be soft in its direct contact with a user's skin while also being breathable to allow for air circulation so the baking soda can absorb moisture and inhibit or eliminate odor. In some embodiments, the third layer also comprises one or more essential oils applied to the perforated cotton layer. This disclosure provides numerous combinations of essential oils in various amounts and ratios. In some embodiments, the combinations of essential oils are in about 1:1 ratios. In some embodiments, lavender makes up about 50% or more of the amount of essential oils. In some embodiments, lavender makes up about ⅔ or more of the amount of essential oils. Additional combinations and ratios of various embodiments are shown below in the Examples section.

In some embodiments, the combination of essential oils has several characteristics, including antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antidepressant, calming, anti-inflammatory, astringent, stress-reducing, immune system-boosting, antispasmodic, and deodorant.

In some embodiments, the shoe inserts of this disclosure are designed to be disposable after a single-use. In such embodiments, the inserts are sold as daily use inserts. The design of the shoe inserts allows them to be easily removed from a shoe without leaving an adhesive residue on the shoe.

This disclosure provides a shoe insert comprising several combinations of essential oils in varying amounts and ratios. The amounts disclosed are exemplary and not limiting. The amounts of essential oils described herein are contemplated because of efficacy and as an efficient use of materials. Further, determining the proper amounts of essential oils involves taking into account the design of the shoe insert. Too much of the essential oils will result in the seal that holds the layers of the insert together to be ineffective. As a result, the layers can peel apart and fray. On the other hand, too little of the essential oils will not eliminate bacteria and odor.

A person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that greater amounts could be used to achieve similar results as long as the shoe insert is able to retain such amounts. Those amounts are intended to be included in the scope of this disclosure.

In some embodiments of the sleek shoe insert, the amounts of oils are measured as drops. In some embodiments, the amounts of oils are measured as milliliters. In some embodiments, essential oils comprise cinnamon, oregano, thyme, and tea tree oil. In some embodiments, the essential oils include sesquiterpenes, including cedar wood, vetiver, spikenard, sandalwood, aloes, black pepper, patchouli, myrrh, ginger, galbanum, onycha, and frankincense. In some embodiments, the essential oils comprise monoterpenes: bergamot, carrot, lemon, neroli, orange, citrus oils, coriander, cypress, eucalyptus, pine, black pepper, oregano, juniper, fir, spruce, and pine. In some embodiments, the essential oils comprise phenols, including clove, bay, basil, cinnamon, rose, ylang ylang, red thyme, thyme, sage, fennel, hyssop, marjoram, anise, black pepper. In some embodiments, the essential oils comprise monoterpenic and sesuiterpenic oils, including geranium, melissa, neroli, grapefruit, lavender, peppermint, clary-sage, coriander, ginger, and oregano. In some embodiments, the essential oils comprise esters, including lavandin, balsam peru, benzoin, jasmine, petit grain, palmarosa, lemongrass, yarrow, and rosemary.

In some embodiments, the shoe insert further comprises ethyl alcohol. In some embodiments, up to 1 tablespoon of ethyl alcohol is used. In some embodiments, up to 2 tablespoons of ethyl alcohol is used. In other embodiments, up to 3 tablespoons of ethyl alcohol is used. In other embodiments, up to 4 tablespoons of ethyl alcohol is used.

In some embodiments, the shoe insert comprises a water-based adhesive. In some embodiments, the shoe insert comprises a non-slip surface to adhere to a sole of a shoe. In some embodiments, the shoe insert is designed to adhere to a sole of a shoe by static cling.

In some embodiments, the layers of the shoe insert are glued around the edges. In further embodiments, the layers of the shoe insert are heat-glued around the edges. In other embodiments, the edges of the shoe insert are sewn together. In further embodiments, the edges of the shoe insert are stapled together.

FIG. 1 shows shoe insert 101 having an hourglass shape.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the layers of shoe insert 202. First layer 204 comprises breathable fabric. Second layer 206 comprises laid paper or ribbed paper. Third layer 208 comprises polyethylene film. Fourth layer 210 is optional and comprises release paper. As can be seen in FIG. 2, shoe insert 202 has a thin profile.

FIG. 3 shows shoe insert 302 having an arrangement of three lines of hot melt adhesive 304. Lines of hot melt adhesive 304 contact the bottom side of shoe insert 302.

EXAMPLES Example 1

In one example, a shoe insert of this disclosure comprises the following combination of essential oils: 2 drops of cypress, 2 drops of frankincense, 12 drops of lavender, 2 drops of lemon, 2 drops of oregano, and 6 drops of red thyme.

Example 2

In another example, a shoe insert of this disclosure comprises the following combination of essential oils: 2 drops of cypress, 2 drops of frankincense, 12 drops of lavender, 2 drops of lemon, and 6 drops of red thyme, as well as 2 tablespoons of ethyl alcohol.

Example 3

In another example, a shoe insert of this disclosure comprises the following combination of essential oils: 18 drops of lavender, and 6 drops of red thyme, as well as 2 tablespoons of ethyl alcohol.

Example 4

In another example, a shoe insert of this disclosure comprises the following combination of essential oils: 24 drops of lavender, 6 drops of red thyme, 2 drops of lemon, 2 drops of frankincense, 2 drops of cypress, and 6 drops of lemongrass, as well as 4 tablespoons of ethyl alcohol.

Example 5

In another example, a shoe insert of this disclosure comprises the following combination of essential oils: 2 drops of sage, 10 drops of lavender, 5 drops of lemon, and 2 drops of cedar.

Example 6

In another example, a shoe insert of this disclosure comprises the following combination of essential oils: 2 drops of sage, 2 drops of frankincense, and 12 drops of lavender.

Example 7

In yet another example, a shoe insert of this disclosure comprises 2 tablespoons of vodka on the top layer of the first layer and the combination of essential oils comprises 40 drops of lavender, 10 drops of lemongrass, 8 drops of red thyme.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific embodiments described specifically in this disclosure. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the following claims. 

1. A shoe insert having an hourglass shape and sized and shaped to fit in a shoe, comprising: a first layer comprising breathable fabric, wherein the first layer has a top side and a bottom side; a combination of essential oils disposed on the top side of the first layer; a second layer comprising air-laid paper; and a third layer comprising polyethylene film, wherein the third layer has a top side and a bottom side, wherein the second layer is disposed between the bottom side of the first layer and the top side of the third layer, and wherein the bottom side of the third layer comprises hot melt adhesive.
 2. The shoe insert of claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third layers are adhered together with glue.
 3. The shoe insert of claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third layers are pressed together.
 4. The shoe insert of claim 3, wherein the edges of the first, second, and third layers are sealed.
 5. The shoe insert of claim 1, further comprising a fourth layer comprising release paper, wherein the fourth layer contacts the bottom side of the third layer.
 6. The shoe insert of claim 5, wherein the release paper has a weight of about 42 g/SM.
 7. The shoe insert of claim 1, wherein the breathable fabric comprises non-woven fabric.
 8. The shoe insert of claim 2, wherein the non-woven fabric is fiber.
 9. The shoe insert of claim 8, wherein the fiber has a weight of about 30 g/SM.
 10. The shoe insert of claim 1, wherein the air-laid paper has a weight of about 80 g/SM.
 11. The shoe insert of claim 1, wherein the polyethylene film has a weight of about 35 g/SM.
 12. The shoe insert of claim 1, wherein the hot melt adhesive is arranged on the bottom side of the third layer as three lines, wherein each line has a thickness of about 0.3 mm.
 13. The shoe insert of claim 1, wherein the combination of essential oils comprises cypress, frankincense, lavender, lemon, oregano, and red thyme.
 14. The shoe insert of claim 1, further comprising ethyl alcohol and wherein the combination of essential oils comprises cypress, frankincense, lavender, lemon, and red thyme.
 15. The shoe insert of claim 1, further comprising ethyl alcohol and wherein the combination of essential oils comprises lavender, and red thyme.
 16. The shoe insert of claim 1, further comprising ethyl alcohol and wherein the combination of essential oils comprises lavender, red thyme, lemon, frankincense, cypress, and lemongrass.
 17. The shoe insert of claim 1, wherein the combination of essential oils comprises sage, lavender, lemon, and cedar.
 18. The shoe insert of claim 1, wherein the combination of essential oils comprises sage, frankincense, and lavender.
 19. The shoe insert of claim 1, further comprising ethyl alcohol and wherein the combination of essential oils comprises lavender, lemongrass, and red thyme. 